University of California–Santa Cruz

Overview of University of California – Santa Cruz

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In fact, UC – Santa Cruz has 64 undergraduate majors and 41 minor concentrations that students can leverage into the careers of their dreams. Major fields are found in the broad academic categories of art, humanities, physical and biological sciences, social sciences, and engineering. Students soon find that many of their choices integrate an interdisciplinary approach that facilitates a more holistic view of their field.

When the Mighty Banana Slugs aren't hard at work solving the world's problems, they are engaged in student organizations, recreational activities, or fun social events. There are organizations that foster student interest in academics, culture and identity issues, environmental matters, arts, and more. Students can also participate in fitness classes, personal workouts, or a scheduled outdoor adventure in California's mountains, rivers, or beaches. In fact, with the Pacific Ocean virtually at the doorstep, students often spend time becoming expert surfers or body-boarders.

Top Rankings For University of California – Santa Cruz

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Admissions

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Tuition Cost & Financial Aid

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UC Santa Cruz is an institution of higher education that is funded by the taxpayers of California. As such, it offers California residents lower tuition rates relative to those from out of state, with the exception of students in the Western Undergraduate Exchange program. Thus, those eligible for in-state tuition see a gross price of around $15,000 that includes supplies, books, and fees. Out-of-state rates inflate to $45,000 in gross academic costs. When living expenses are added, those who are on the in-state rate have gross costs of $37,000 and out-of-state students pay $67,000, both for on-campus living. However, the gross costs are reduced once the Financial Aid Office applies grants and scholarships to the tally.

Once those reductions apply, the average net price for a year at UCSC is just under $18,000. For students from households that earn $30,000 or less, the net price is $11,000 and those from homes earning more than $100,000 pay $33,000. UCSC students thus are privy to a fantastic educational value.

Sticker Price

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Academics

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UC Santa Cruz is known for its eccentricities, but it's perhaps better known for the academic excellence its students seek year after year. The surfers and free thinkers at Santa Cruz turn out educational statistics that should be envied throughout academia. Those numbers account the retention and graduation rates, which validate its reputation and standing in the CA university system. Specifically, UCSC reports a retention rate of 89%, which means that the vast majority of its first-time, full-time students are pleased enough with the faculty, curriculum, and campus resources to return for a second year.

These students seem to maintain their enthusiasm to be Banana Slugs, as reflected in the graduation rate. A full 75% of students graduate within six years and 52% collect diplomas after four. After eight years, another 79% of those remaining have a degree from UCSC. On top of this, 5% report transferring, ostensibly to complete their degree elsewhere.

These numbers can't all be attributed to the nearby beaches and the favorable surfing conditions, nor the proximity to Silicon Valley. Rather, UCSC's academic success likely rides on its reasonable if seemingly high 25 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. Small classes, especially when students enter their upper-level major courses, result in improved outcomes, and outstanding academic achievements.

Student Population Total

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Outcome & Salary

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Students at the University of California – Santa Cruz may love the mind-expanding courses, fantastic campus atmosphere, and the benefits of living at the coast but they are perhaps more interested in their future. They have little to worry about, as UCSC graduates generally receive a warm welcome in the job market. Of the top ten earning majors, the computer engineering students lead the pack with a median reported salary of $70,000. The top ten is rounded out by the mathematics majors, who report earnings of $35,000. Others in the top ten include managerial economics majors, computer science professionals, and neurobiology scientists. UCSC graduates also find it easy to gain admission to their top graduate school choices.

Photos & Videos

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